Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/442

416 Be yet far distant, let thy Word prevail,

Oh! let thy Word prevail, to take away

The sting of human nature. Spread the law,

As it is written in thy holy book,

Throughout all Lands; let every nation hear

The high behest, and every heart obey;

Both for the love of purity, and hope

Which it affords, to such as do thy will

And persevere in good, that they shall rise,

To have a nearer view of Thee, in heaven.

—Father of Good! this prayer in bounty grant,

In mercy grant it to thy wretched Sons.

Then, nor till then, shall persecution cease,

And cruel Wars expire. The way is marked,

The guide appointed, and the ransom paid.

Alas! the Nations, who of yore received

These tidings, and in Christian Temples meet

The sacred truth to acknowledge, linger still;

Preferring bonds and darkness to a state

Of holy freedom, by redeeming love

Proffered to all, while yet on earth detained.

So fare the many; and the thoughtful few,

Who in the anguish of their souls bewail